Brokerage expands its footprint in new deal

Ontario-based brokerage PetleyHare is expanding, announcing yesterday it has acquired Gwilliames & Associates Insurance Brokers.

Gwilliames & Associates Insurance Brokers has offered home, auto, business, life and travel insurance to clients across the Durham Region since the brokerage was founded in Ajax, Ont., in 1964.

“PetleyHare is committed to strategic growth and investment within the Durham Region,” comments Adam Hare, president of PetleyHare. “Expanding our customer base in the communities we already love to serve is just a natural step forward for us.

“Gwilliames & Associates Insurance Brokers is a great brokerage that has provided insurance solutions to families and businesses within the Durham Region for 60 years. We look forward to building on these meaningful, long-lasting relationships.”

Founded in 1922, PetleyHare is a full-service brokerage offering home, auto and business insurance through its offices in Oshawa and Port Perry, Ont. It also offers recreation insurance — boats, RVs, and ‘toys’ such as SeaDoos, snowmobiles and ATVs — as well as cyber, drone and yoga insurance.

PetleyHare is a finalist for one of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO)’s 2024 Awards of Excellence (Large Brokerage Award).

Also in the news: What recent, and coming, elections mean for Canadian corporate risk

Gwilliames & Associates Insurance Brokers clients are already starting the transition into PetleyHare’s business, brand and operations.

“Gwilliames & Associates Insurance Brokers have been a proud part of the business community for 60 years and we are happy to integrate with PetleyHare to continue to provide the same level of service and care we have provided to our clients over the years,” says Owen McNeil, Gwilliames’ managing partner.

“We are confident their values and understanding of consumer needs will measure up to our client’s expectations.”

PetleyHare says it plans to continue to seek growth through acquisitions, adding the deal with Gwillliames is part of a larger move to grow the PetleyHare brand.

“At PetleyHare, we’re not just planning for the short term – we’re focused on lasting success,” says Ashley Holmes, vice president of PetleyHare. “That’s why we’ve invested heavily in the past few years, unveiling a fresh brand identity, constructing a cutting-edge, tech-forward office space, and bolstering our leadership team.

“These strategic moves are designed to enhance our capacity to serve our clients and community better, while positioning us to continue our growth in the acquisition space.”

Feature image courtesy of iStock.com/Ihor Martsenyuk